The first logical step to take once you've decided to get a credit card would be to start the application process. This is possible via the phone, through the mail or online. It's that simple.

Start with choosing which card to go with. Check interest rates, incentives, terms and conditions that suit your budget and requirements. To make an online application, go to the concerned site and click on the link that says 'Apply'. Fill out the form, paying attention to the details. You would probably be asked to give your social security number, your date of birth, current address, your driving license number as well as details about your salary, where you are employed, your banking history and credit obligations if any.

Once done, the approval time could be anything from two days to two weeks. Your credit history will be checked and the approval is generally based on that. The notification could be by phone, email or mail. The advantage of an online application is that it is safe, secure and quick as all your communication is by email.

Another way to apply is via the mail. Junk mail usually brings in offers and leaflets extolling the benefits of one card or the other. You could find something that suits you and apply for it. Here one has all the material at hand to read and do an analysis on the different cards and what they offer. With everything down in black and white, this is for many, a preferred route. Since all these mailers come with the application form attached, it is just a matter of filling them out. The information required to be filled in is the same as for online applications but the approval time may take longer as you are dependant on the postal service.

A trip to your bank should also yield the same results. The process is more or less the same but now you have to deal with the personnel of the credit card division. Here, not much time is wasted since your history is available to the bank at the touch of a button.

Remember that you can apply for a card in any manner but applying for too many at the same time may jeopardize your chances of getting one as each check made by the concerned credit card company will show up in your report and too many applications may not work in your favor.